King Chali, is having in mind an idea of handing power to the next ruler. According to Matunda ruling system, a king is expected to hand power to his first child, when time to step out of office comes. And that is the case with king Chali. He has just turned 58 years old, meaning, he has a maximum of less than 2 years in office. Two weeks ago, King Chali held a discussion with his deep states. The main theme of of discussion was King Chali's daughter, "Neli" who is to take over the office soon.
This beautiful, young and energetic lady has everything she need to become the next leader. The way she associates with people of her kingdom, the way she makes her judgement, literally, she is a definition of pure soul.
So, what is the problem? Don't dare think she is too kind to become the next Queen. That isn't the case. Reality is, for her to rule, she has to officially be named "Queen" before the dignitaries of the kingdom. This means she needs a husband, who will rule alongside her.
But the problem is, Neli has never been seen with a guy before. That respect from people of her kingdom has set unconditional boundary that no one can tell how it began and how is still being managed. Second problem is trust issues. Saying Neli needs an outsider for a husband is risky, because kingdoms that surround Matunda present threat more than anything. Would you trust a stranger from a kingdom you are not in good terms with, to marry your dearest daughter, if you were a king?
So, Mr. Right, was what the king Chali, Queen Amanda and board of leaders were asking themselves, during a previous discussion. Who will become the king? Neli's husband?
I know you understand that a partner isn't someone who you'll say they'll fall from sky, get along with you and spend rest of their lives together with you, without arguments here and there. King Chali is more than concerned. Quick and early marriage for the sake of office, he feels is not good for his daughter. His always disturb with the idea of, what if the king does something to Neli in order to remain in power. He can't wrap his mind around the idea that, his daughter could suffer forever, for the sake of filling the upcoming vacancy in office. But he has to deal with it. His daughter was born beautiful of appearance and soul. Not for a particular reason than ruling.
Hence, as promised, he was to give directives tomorrow on his wedding anniversary, of solution he has come up with.
King Chali and Queen Amanda. Parents to Neli, have always received alot of assistance from Maka, if kingdom well-being is of concern. Great choice from alternatives present by the three, led to prosperity of Matunda Kingdom. Maka, who is the greatest military personnel, "The Major General" now 55 years old, has always desired his son "Jai" who is 20 years old, to become the next king. In opinion he has never shared with anyone, Neli is to rule alongside Jai. For this one desire, General Maka had sworn to kill for it.
Two weeks ago, Maka had sitted for the very discussion, concerning who will become the next king. Infact he was part of few dignitaries who grafted qualities of the next guy, who can be rendered eligible to marry Neli. He did try his level best to indirectly, say he wanted Jai but for some obvious reasons, he did not succeed.
They could have denied him something else, but not a chance for his son to become the prospective king. Ahead of tomorrow, he planned a catastrophic situation. Only him and heavens knew.
Amanda, who is the source of Neli's beautiful, old but blossoming flower, 52 years old, entered Neli's room.
"My queen, have a sit", said Neli teasing Amanda while pointing a chair. Her mother looked at her with a smile on her face. Acting like surprised but again not much concerned, "how many times Neli, just tell me, am your mother not just your queen, so what about you calling me mum henceforth?"
"And who said am not calling you 'mother', my queen?" Neli stated. "Holy you Neli, you did it again ",said Queen Amanda while rising from her chair heading to where Neli is, 'on her bed'. She opened her arms wide enough to give her an electric hug. While they were still enjoying the comfort of each others shoulder, Queen Amanda said to Neli "my dearest daughter, everyone is saying something about your captain man, but i wander, what do you have in mind?"
She didn't wait for Neli's response. "But you know mum am still young and not ready...", queen Amanda concluded mocking Neli. Perhaps it was a rhetorical question. Love is just a word until you find someone to give it meaning. Neli had her mum and dad, she needed no more or less. She fears new beginning more than anything else. She empress her present time like they is no other time.
"No mother, i actually have a different answer this time. Am sure i need time", Neli continued, "let's deal with facts mother, I have just turned 18 years like literally 50 days ago, that's less than two months, since i was born, you have never let me out of your site, even as am talking, I go to toilet with bodyguards, then here you are asking if i have a boyfriend or any guy in mind, seriously, how? Or maybe am some sort of witch who has a spiritual boyfriend. Plus let's not rush, two years from now i will be twenty years. Dad will be retiring and I'll be taking over, am sure, some one will be there with me. I advise you to move with your pace and time mother. Now, give me a smile, things will be okay."
Neli is clever, in some way. Amanda is a little concerned too much. But things are not predictable. In the last couple of years, Matunda has been ruled by kings. Here, things were predictable. Before a prince could understand he was the prospective king, he would be dating a number of girls. The advice would be "please prince, consider having maximum of one girl, you are days from being a king". But the case is different here, Neli is a lady who has no boyfriend and shows no interest, while rules are, she must be married to take power. She can't say she doesn't want to be a leader, she is the first and only child of King Chali and Queen Amanda. What is the solution. Careless about what she wants and get a guy for her who will spend rest of his life with her and rule under her as king. But who? Where is he? Does he even qualify forget about existing! This is one thing the King is expected to address tomorrow.
"Look out Neli, sleep safe and sound, tomorrow is a big day ", said Amanda while heading out of Neli's room. "Wait a minute my queen, how romantic will tomorrow be? You and dad marking 30 years of marriage, wow! You better be dressed up earlier than early Miss-Tomorrow. Love you mum!" Neli was a little teasing. Amanda curved hands in air to illustrate how big she loved her more. Tomorrow is a waited day, no one is not curious, of what it will present.
How fast do sun fall and rise. It was no longer about tomorrow, it's now and today. Weather, music and decorations spoke of a party in the castle. King Chali and Queen Amanda are celebrating 30 years of marriage. Neli, a gift and result of their love is much of topic just like every other day. Everyone was invited only for few who have brought themselves to cause trouble, taking advantage of crowd entering the castle. Their mission being, to kill King Chali, Queen Amanda and Princess Neli. On whose order are they here?
So, while king Chali was preparing to deliver speech on this day, someone was underground, below him setting a bomb that will not only kill the three, but also alot of poor people who have attended the ceremony.
Everytime the king is to address the public, Major General is supposed to be with him. This isn't the case today. Major General Maka is not present without a notice. Suspicious! When Maka saw his son can not rule, he decided he'll rule himself. Trough a coup. He has decided to over throw the government. And here, a king has to die, for queen not to rise into immediate power, she is to die too. So for Princess, she is of no more help, killing her means straight over throw of the monarchy.
Wicked! Maka has become wicked. King Chali made the first, the second, the third, the fourth, then the fifth step forward to assure the public, Princess will soon be engaged and ready to take duties of office. But before he could start talking. Major general Maka came from behind, he was with two soldier, him in the middle, the soldier on his sides, both young and energetic, almost of same height, aged 20 years and acceptable body size. Except that Jai is more muscular and built up than Rana. He is also son of Maka. These two are the most rated soldier. Each of them can fight more than 100 trained soldiers and kill them in less than 5 minutes. Thus when they are unarmed. If they have weapon, they can work wonder.
"Well, well, well Chali", said Major general Maka who has just discovered he needs more than the title of a major, while clapping his hands. To an extent of calling his king by his name, he has really made up his mind, consequences are there, perhaps he is prepared. "Friends we've been. But no more. Am taking the government of the people to the people. You and your daughter are a joke. So, instead of dying on the mine you have stepped on, killing yourself, your silly wife and weird daughter alongside many, I repeat many innocent lives here. Hand over the power to me, while am yet to count to three.
All blood Will be on your hands," he walked before the crowd and stated, "this castle is surrounded, you have no escape route nor plan, but i have. To save yourselves, talk chali out in two seconds. If he fails to withdraw from office your lives and his don't matter anymore."
Maka was now a threat. But for every action, they is an equal reaction. To Jai, Maka has said nothing new. It was well planned between them two. A dictorial form of government. Headed by father and son. But to so many, this information was new, shocking and same time surprising. Including Rana.
He reached out on his swords from the back, like how light reaches for earth from the sun, holding one on each hand firmly. One directly on Maka's neck, threatening to take out his oesophagus. Blood was already attracting the sword, the other sword was on Jai's eyelashes, one step mistake and someone collects a pair of eye.
"Nice speech ,but am sorry general, am loyal to the thrown, it could be that i take orders from you. But don't forget, my life is binded to protect whoever is on that throw. Order the landmines and any unnoticed bomb to be deactivated and any assassin or spy on board to surrender or else. Before we all die, which we will. You'll have seen your son's eyes floating on this other sword. And your throat will see no thrown even in hell. One thing am good at is keeping my word. Having said more than i should have, you know what to do Major General Maka," Rana said.
Jai had already figured out a way to rescue himself and his dad from the shame of being helpless before one soldier. Who has only swords in his hands. He thought it throw more than thrice. It was time to act.